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Thoughts on TQ width...

At the Ohio Hang this weekend, we got into a discussion on TQ widths. I made the observation that my 40 degree sleeping bag, when opened and used as a TQ, measures approximately 60" wide at the head end. I am seeing numerous people using TQs of around 54" in width, and I am beginning to wonder why. Granted, you will save weight without having zippers and such, but it doesn't appear to be signifigant enough to invest the time/ money in making or purchasing a TQ when you already have a bag.

My winter UQ is 42" wide, and almost completely envelops me. I end up having far too much material in sleeping bag width, and it either bunches up on top of me, or creates weird lumps and wrinkles to lie on in the hammock.

What is the general thoughts on narrow TQs? By narrow, I am talking as small as 36" at the shoulders. This would appear to save a significant amount of weight, bulk, and material when used with an underquilt that wraps around the body well. In an emergency, go-to-ground situation, my UQ would likely become my TQ.

50" (Hammock Gear) and 48" (Jacks R Better) are more typical top quilt widths. Thats enough difference -- if less weight and the elegance of dedicated design were not enough -- to have folks choose a top quilt over an opened narrow mummy sleeping bag. Such bags are 59-63" in the case of many Western Mountaineering down-filled bags.

And there's that SB hood that serves no purpose, too.

If I am wearing a light base layer and a sweater, then I don't feel drafts much and are less affected by loose seals at and above covers at and above design temps or greater than freezing. If the seal is good and the UQ is working well, I can go well below design temps and be comfortable. For that seal, I want at least 48" or more width for a size 42 suit body.

The usual reason for a wider top quilt is for side sleepers and use for ground dwellers with a pad. Most of the commercially available ones are 48" wide (or so) at the head end and taper to the foot end.

I made one with the same thought process .. 36'' wide .. it's fine if all I do is lay on my back .. it's just to narrow if on my side .. which is how I sleep most of the time .. IMHO 36'' is too narrow to justify the slight weight savings .. I like being able to tuck the edges around my body .. in my experience that tad bit of extra material helps block the cold spot I feel once and while on my shoulders .. hike your own hike brother

"The wise man questions others wisdom because he questions his own, the foolish man because it is different from his own." Leo Stein

50-54" seems to be the width that work for most peeps. This affords side sleeping without gaps and drafts. Think the reason the lose to SB and use a top quilt is weight savings. My 3S TQ reg is 23 oz, a featherfriend or WM SB is going to be right around 32 oz give or take... So 10 oz off my back...